The lunch was moved to another location with several long tables filled with food. The emperor had them sit on either side and said they would talk, but there was little to say. When he saw a plate of honey plum blossom cake, he said, “Little Sixteen loves these pastries. Send two pieces over and have Zhao Yi watch so he doesn’t eat too many and ruin his teeth.”
The emperor then casually asked Wei Linxia a few unimportant questions about Huo and their journey, to which she replied pleasantly.
“The Crown Princess has never been to the capital. Linxuan, accompany her around,” the emperor instructed.
“Yes, Your Majesty,” Xi Linxuan replied.
After the meal, a eunuch informed them that the Sixteenth Prince had eaten two pieces and was rolling around in the hall. The emperor laughed lovingly and then dismissed Wei Linxia and the others, heading to Zhao Yi’s palace with a eunuch.
The food was delicious, but Wei Linxia felt a lump in her throat. Xi Linxuan, accustomed to it, said, “I hear the night market in the capital is interesting. Rest well this afternoon, and we’ll explore it tonight.”
“Okay,” Wei Linxia replied with a light laugh.
Upon returning to the Eastern Palace from the imperial court, eunuchs announced that the Crown Prince’s attendants sought an audience. Wei Linxia tactfully retreated to change out of her uncomfortable court dress into a refreshing gown, feeling somewhat more comfortable. However, her heart remained uneasy. She had witnessed the distant relationship between the emperor and Xi Linxuan, leading her to see her husband as a stranger even in his own family.
Over the years, Xi Linxuan must have felt like an outsider, living cautiously in a distant place.
“What are you thinking about? Not coming to greet your Crown Prince husband?” Xi Linxuan’s teasing voice broke her thoughts.
Wei Linxia stood up and formally paid her respects: “This wife greets the Crown Prince.”
“At ease. Come, pour your husband a cup of hot tea,” he said.
She went to pour him tea.
“Miss Li is truly fortunate to have such an immortal-like husband,” Xi Linxuan remarked.
“You’ve seen her?” Wei Linxia asked.
“Just arrived. Why did Wang Taihou only arrange a marriage for Wang Ling? Mu Feiyun has quite the elegant demeanor. Why wasn’t he betrothed to a young lady?” Xi Linxuan inquired.
